Washington / King County

Moving to Seattle, WA

Thinking of making a move to Seattle, WA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Seattle, WA

Considering a move to Seattle, WA? This welcoming community of 737,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $875,000 and average rents near $2,150. Commute times average 29 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (48% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Seattle's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Seattle, WA

Seattle has a population of 737,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 66% White, 7% Black, and 15% Asian residents, and over 19% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
737,000
Density
8,800 per sq mi
Median Age
35.4
Gender Ratio
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
18.6%

Ethnic Composition

White
65.5%
Black
7.2%
Asian
15.4%
Others
11.9%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Seattle, WA?

The cost of living in Seattle is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 179.4. Median home values are around $875,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,150. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$875,000
Gross Rent
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges
$120
Auto Insurance
$1,700
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,050
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 8.8%
Cost Of Living Index
179.4
Grocery
118.6
Housing
256.3
Utilities
97.8
Transportation
126.4
Health Care
112.3
Miscellaneous
119.5

Crime

Is Seattle, WA a safe place to live?

Seattle is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 525 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 18. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Washington.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
525
Property Crimes Per 100k
5,450
Crime Index
5,975
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 190
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 18

Weather

What is the weather like in Seattle, WA year-round?

Seattle experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 77°F and cold winters dipping to 38°F. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 48% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
38°F
Max
49°F

Summer

Min
56°F
Max
77°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
61°F

Fall

Min
47°F
Max
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches
37.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
48%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $122,000 and a low poverty rate of 11.2%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 62% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 29 minutes, and almost 25% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$57,000
Household Income
$122,000
Family Income
$145,000
Per Capita Income
$63,500
Income Male
$76,000
Income Female
$66,000
Poverty Rate
11.2%
Non English Speakers
22.4%
Rent
$2,150
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
24.8%
Commute Time
28.6 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.8%
Bachelors or More
62.1%

Education

How are the schools in Seattle, WA?

Seattle offers quality education options, with public schools like Garfield High School and Ballard High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Washington, Seattle University, and Seattle Central College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Garfield High School
Street
400 23rd Ave
Phone
206-252-2270
Students
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio
20.1
Name
Ballard High School
Street
1418 NW 65th St
Phone
206-252-1000
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
20.4

Private Schools

Name
Seattle Academy
Street
1137 29th Ave
Phone
206-324-2156
Students
1,150
Name
The Bush School
Street
3401 Rose St
Phone
206-326-0770
Students
700

Colleges

Name
University of Washington
City
Seattle
State
WA
Distance
5 miles
Students
54,000
Name
Seattle University
City
Seattle
State
WA
Distance
2 miles
Students
7,500
Name
Seattle Central College
City
Seattle
State
WA
Distance
1 mile
Students
6,000

Healthcare

Seattle residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Harborview Medical Center, Swedish First Hill Campus, and Virginia Mason Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.5 per 1,000 people and 94.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Harborview Medical Center
Address
325 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Phone
(206) 744-3000
Type
Level I Trauma / General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Swedish First Hill Campus
Address
747 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122
Phone
(206) 386-6000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Address
1100 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone
(206) 223-6600
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.5
Health Insurance Coverage
94.1%
Health Care Index
82.9

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Seattle, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $875,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 45%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.0%. Seattle offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$875,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate
44.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Seattle handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Olympia. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Washington
Department
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address
405 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone
1-360-902-3900

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Seattle, WA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Seattle, review the core fields on this page: population 737,000, median home value $875,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,150, commute time 28.6 minutes, and sunny days percentage 48%.

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